Army troops kill 2 NPA rebels in Samar clash

MANILA, Philippines - Two communist rebels were killed in an encounter between government troops and the New People’s Army (NPA) on Monday afternoon in Matuguinao, Samar.

Maj. Amado Gutierrez, spokesman of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division, said soldiers were conducting security operations in Barangay Mahayag, around 5:30 p.m. when about 10 to 20 rebels fired at them.

A five-minute clash then transpired, leaving two NPA members dead. Gutierrez said the identities of the two rebels are still being determined.

Government troops did not suffer casualties during the encounter.

The afternoon clash also led to the recovery of an M16 rifle, an M16 baby armalite, and an M2013 grenade launcher.

Soldiers are now conducting pursuit operations against the insurgents. – Alvin Perez, Ronald Mendoza (trainees)